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NEW LENOX – Lincoln-Way West lost a number of key pieces from last season’s team that finished 30-7, but junior third baseman Ryan Hastings feels as if little has changed.
“Even though we lost a lot of guys to graduation from last year, guys stepped up and filled in those spots, and it seems like we’re playing with the same team as last year,” Hastings said. “Everyone on the team plays together well, and we feel like it’s going to be a great season.”
The Warriors have high expectations for themselves. Senior right-hander Steve Skolarz has his sights set squarely on one thing.
“We want a state title,” Skolarz said. “It’s everyone’s dream to walk out with a ring. That’s our goal this year.”
Skolarz will need to play a big role if that’s going to happen. Luke Morgan, Richard Yelnick, Ben Francis and Dylan Eller – who combined to win 21 games on the mound last season – are gone.
That leaves Skolarz (3-2, 2.97 ERA) and fellow seniors Andrew Clavenna (3-1, 3.18) and John Saffrahn (1-0, 2.68) to be counted on heavily.
“Usually, West comes out with some strong pitchers,” Skolarz said. “I think it’s going to be one of our biggest assets again this year. I’d like to step up and be the ace this year. I’ve been working really hard over the offseason, just trying to do everything I can to step up for this team.”
Offensively, the Warriors return the majority of their starting infield from last year with Hastings (.362 average, 26 RBIs, 25 runs) at third base, fellow junior Adam Knerr at shortstop and senior Jake Rossborough at second. Senior Bailey Magruder is expected to start at catcher.
“We will have a whole new outfield this year, but we have the talent to fill those open positions,” West coach Jake Zajc said.
Seniors Chase Starcevich and Mike Pratl, junior Joe Paparelli and sophomores A.J. Ashley and Noah Hibler are among those who will see time in the outfield.
“We don’t have a lot of big power hitters,” Hastings said. “But I think we’re going to have a good lineup as long as everyone does their job and just keeps the lineup rolling over and over.”
The Warriors hope to get off to another fast start. They won their first 21 games a year ago.
“Our strength over the last few seasons has been starting stronger than other teams,” Hastings said. “The coaches always have us ready to go. We don’t necessarily have the most talent, but I think we have the best baseball players around.”
Last year, the Warriors found themselves in the toughest regional in the state. After topping the hosts in the semifinals of the Class 3A Joliet Catholic Regional, they fell to eventual state champion Lemont in the regional final.
“It was a good experience last year, playing that good of competition in the playoffs,” Hastings said. “We have a few of those games under our belt now, and now we know how to win them.”
Skolarz is confident there will be a lot of postseason wins this time around.
“We just need to stick together as a team, not let our minds get a hold of us. We have to play the game, and we can’t defeat ourselves. We’ve got the talent. All we need to do is perform together as a team and do what we need to do, and we can win state. I have high hopes.”